Johnson, Hollins named Coaches of the Month

AVERY JOHNSON of the Brooklyn Nets and Lionel Hollins of the Memphis Grizzlies were named the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Coaches of the Month, respectively, for games played in October and November.

Johnson led the Nets to an 11-4 mark in October and November, tying for the most wins in the East with Miami Heat (11-3) and New York Knicks (11-4). The Nets, off to the best start through 15 games in franchise history, ranked second in the NBA in team scoring defense, holding opponents to 90.4 ppg. The Nets recorded their largest road win (107-68) in franchise history on Nov. 9 against the Orlando Magic.

Hollins guided the Grizzlies to the league’s best record (12-2, .857) for games played in October and November. After opening the season with a loss on Oct. 31, Memphis posted its best ever month in November, going 12-1 (.923). The Grizzlies led the NBA in team scoring defense, allowing opponents just 90.1 ppg. Memphis recorded back-to-back double-digit wins over last year’s Finals participants, the Miami Heat (104-86 on Nov. 11) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (107-97 on Nov. 14).